Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repositoryFigure 9.3.21 Prototype air cushioncradleFigure 9.3.22 Tests of moving a load simulating theshape and weight of a type CU1 spent fuel disposalpackage using air cushionsThe second part of the test consists of producing a full-scale demonstration model. It uses a tubetwenty metres long simulating the cell sleeve, a dummy package of the same weight and dimensionsas a real package and a prototype robot. Geometric faults and obstacles on the tube will be created tovalidate the correct working of the process.9.3.4.5 A similar solution studied in SwedenThe Swedish agency SKB has studied a horizontal disposal concept called KBS-3H, whose principleconsists of depositing a super-container (diameter 1.80 m – weight 45 tonnes), consisting of a copperspent fuels container surrounded by rings of bentonite, in a horizontal tunnel (Figure 9.3.23). As part of this concept, the use of air cushion technology is envisaged by SKB. Thisprinciple is similar to that envisaged by Andra. However, as the irregularities in the tunnel wallsexcavated in granite are likely to require the use of very high air flow rates to keep the load suspendedby the air cushion, SKB therefore envisaged replacing the air by water. This project will also be thesubject of a full-scale technological demonstration model carried out as part of ESDRED projectcoordinated by Andra. A first successful test was conducted with the same test bench as that used byAndra and mentioned previously. [81].Figure 9.3.23Diagram of the principle adopted by SKBDOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM363/495